In UMKC’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), we foster your academic, professional, and personal development and believe your needs, interests, opinions, passions, and dreams are all an important part of the equation.

Who We Are

The UMKC School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) is comprised of ten academic departments and multiple interdisciplinary programs. Our 29 majors and 27 minors support students in developing the most sought-after career skills – excellent communication, analysis, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Students’ classroom experiences often expand into Kansas City with community-based learning and internships that lead to strong community connections and job placements.

Interactions in the classroom at UMKC form relationships that continue beyond graduation through our national alumni network. All students are a critical part of the conversation, not only as listeners but as valued contributors. We strive to cultivate an environment where diversity, equity and inclusivity are an integral part of everything we do. In the School of Humanities and Social Sciences we foster your academic, professional, and personal development and believe your needs, interests, opinions, passions, and dreams are all an important part of the equation.

UMKC’s innovative programs like the Professional Career Escalators, First Gen Roo Scholars, Multicultural Student Affairs, Honors Program, and our numerous student groups highlight the importance of tailoring each student’s experience. We believe every student deserves the tools to be successful. Whether you are entering college straight from high school, coming to us from another university, or reigniting your passion for learning later in life – we are dedicated to supporting you.

Explore our areas of study

Our vision

To provide a student-centered learning experience at an urban university, producing world-class research and creative work.

Our mission

At the SHSS, students, faculty, and staff participate in the core mission of our unit by:
  • Cultivating exploration and innovation through dynamic learning environments, cutting-edge research, and community engagement;
  • Expanding knowledge and practical skills through the integrative study of human experience, behavior, and creativity; and
  • Empowering students, faculty, and staff to become culturally responsive, civic-minded leaders and life-long learners within our diverse local and global communities.

Our values

We commit to these key values in our research, teaching, and service
  • Accountability & Integrity
  • Inclusion & Belonging
  • Compassion & Understanding
  • Collaboration & Partnership, and
  • Creativity & Positive Impact
13:1
Student-to-faculty ratio

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